We have planned an exciting and meaningful calendar of events for our Advent season, and invite you to join us:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28: first Sunday in Advent
Combined Worship Service at 10 a.m. in the Kirk Center
followed by
Advent Festival & Hanging of the Greens at 11 a.m.
Join us for a festive kick-off to the Advent season. We’ll gather first for a combined service in the Kirk Center, and afterwards meet in Fellowship Hall for special activities, including decorating the church.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
Bethlehem Luminaria Night – beginning at dark
Indoor Advent Walk from 5-7 p.m. in the Kirk Center
Against the backdrop of our city’s annual Luminaria Walk, we offer five stations that call up reflections on specific homecomings, dedicated to the themes of our ancestors, communities, personal guides, earth, silence, and self. These remembrances of past connections, wisdom texts, and supports remind us of those guides that have supported our own call to birth Christ in the world.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
The Longest Night Service
6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Also livestreamed on Facebook and here on our website
This service provides space for those who are grieving a loss in their lives (whether a person, a job, an experience, a dream) to engage the deep truths of Advent and Christmas without feeling forced into experiences of cheer that they are not feeling.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Christmas Joy Concert
4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Also livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
Join us for a selection of Christmas choral and handbell music to prepare your spirit for the coming of Christmas! Our guest ensembles this year include the Choir of St. Tikhon’s Russian Orthodox Monastery and the Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, who will join our Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers. A love offering will be collected with a suggested donation.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
In person and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
PROTOCOLS: Everyone aged 2 and older must be properly masked. We ask that household groups sit a minimum of three feet apart.
4:00 p.m.: Intergenerational Family Service
PRINT THE 4-PAGE BULLETIN
A service of readings and carols featuring the singers and acoustic instrumentalists of our contemporary ensemble. All are welcome to this family friendly and engaging service.
7:00 p.m.: Traditional Service
PRINT THE 7-PAGE BULLETIN
A joyous festival service of readings and carols, featuring the Hill to Hill Brass Quintet, the FPCB Chancel Choir, and FPCB Chancel Ringers, including works by George F. Handel, John Tavener, Dale Wood, and Steven Pilkington. The triumphant exclamation of brass and the warm glow of candlelight consecrate this service on the holiest of nights.
11:00 p.m.: Communion Service
PRINT THE 4-PAGE BULLETIN
A deeply contemplative service of readings and carols, including communion, with music by Johannes Brahms, Herbert Howells, and Charles V. Stanford. A service for those who wish to celebrate Christmas Eve with a final moment of peace and serenity.